
The clutch, brake, and accelerator in a car are located below the steering wheel near the vehicle floor, arranged in the following order: clutch on the left, brake in the middle, and accelerator on the right. The functions of the clutch are: 1. Ensuring smooth vehicle starting; 2. Facilitating gear shifting; 3. Preventing transmission system failures; 4. Reducing torsional vibration impact. The brake's function is to stop or slow down the vehicle. The accelerator's function is to accelerate the vehicle. Cars with a clutch are manual transmission vehicles. The correct method to start a manual transmission car is: 1. Press the clutch pedal all the way down; 2. Move the gear lever to engage 1st gear as the starting gear; 3. Gently push the turn signal lever downward to activate the left turn signal, alerting vehicles in front and behind; 4. Release the vehicle's handbrake; 5. Lift the left foot upward until the clutch reaches the half-engaged position, causing the vehicle to vibrate slightly; 6. As the vehicle starts moving, release the clutch and gently press the accelerator.

When I first started learning to drive, I was also confused about where these pedals were. The clutch is for the left foot, and you have to press it down to shift gears. It's located on the far left of the driver's foot mat. The hard one in the middle is the brake pedal, controlled by the right foot—step on it to slow down. The softer one on the far right is the accelerator pedal, also controlled by the right foot; a gentle press gets the car moving. Friends who drive manual often joke that the left foot handles shifting while the right foot manages speed. After practicing a few times, you'll get used to the positions of these three brothers. Keep your heels steady while driving and use the balls of your feet to switch pedals to avoid mistakes. If you're driving an automatic, you don't have to worry about the clutch. Beginners are advised to practice switching between these three pedals in an open area to get the feel.

Anyone who has driven for over a decade knows how logical this layout is. The clutch is always on the far left because it's used in coordination with gear shifting; the brake is centrally positioned for optimal emergency response; and the throttle is on the right to allow natural acceleration control with the right foot. I remember once getting into a car of a different brand—even though the interior was worlds apart, the positions of these three pedals were surprisingly identical. This design has been validated over decades: the left foot controls the clutch while the right foot stays ready in the middle for braking, allowing immediate switching when needed. Proper driving posture adjustments can also reduce fatigue during long-distance driving.

The positions of these pedals are generally fixed. The clutch is always on the far left side underfoot, essential for manual transmission cars; the middle brake pedal is the stiffest; the right accelerator pedal is usually lighter. The right foot controls the speed—pressing the accelerator to speed up and releasing it to slow down, while the middle brake is used directly in emergencies. Driving an automatic is simpler, requiring only the right foot to move between the accelerator and brake. This layout is most practical on mountain roads, where using a lower gear with the brake ensures safety on descents. With practice, muscle memory will develop naturally.


